Useful Phrases in
Cambodian Language

Impress the Locals and Have Fun!

Cambodian language is called Khmer.

It has the most number of alphabets on earth (74 compared to 26 in English alphabets), and it has its own fonts.

Squiggly lines that unless you learn it seriously, might as well be hieroglyphs from Egypt.

So, does it sound like a hopeless case to learn Khmer (pronounced Khe-my)?

Not really!

Here are some simple phrases that you can memorize before arriving in Cambodia. Knowing a few words of Cambodian language always earns smiles and nods of approval from the local. And hey, usually that way they're extra nice to you, for taking the trouble of learning their language.

So here you go.

(Click on the play button to hear the pronounciation)

Greetings

Hello	Suosday
Goodbye	Lea heuy
How are you?	Sok sabai chea tay?
I'm fine	Knhum sok sabai chea tay
Yes	Baat (for man) Cha (for woman)
No	Otay
Thank you	Akun
Thank you very much	Akun jann
Sorry	Sohm toh

                   

Getting to Know

Do you speak English?	Teu nak niyeay phea sar anglei tay?
What is your name?	Chhmua ei?
What is this called in Khmer	Nis hauv thameich pheasar khmer?
Speak slowly	Nee yeay yeut yeut
My name is ... (Arun)	Knum chhmua ... (Arun)
I understand	Khnum yol
I don't understand	Khnum ot yol
How do you say this in Khmer	Thar mech chea pheasar khmer?
Where are you going?	Teu nak kampong toev na?
See you tomorrow	Saek chuob knea

Shopping

How much for this?	Teu nis thlay pun mann?
Expensive	Thlaiy
Market	Phsar

Directions

Please take me to...	Sohn york knhum toev...
Where is	Noev ey na
Slow down (you'll need this one!)	Banthoy L'boeun
Stop here	Chhop tee nis
Turn right	Bort sdam
Turn left	Born chhveng
Go straight	Toev trang

Places

Bank	Thorneakea
Pharmacy	Or soth s'than
Toilet	Bongkun
Hotel	Santhakea
Guesthouse	Ph'teah som nak
Embassy	S'thantoot

Numbers

1	Muoy
2	Pee
3	Bey
4	Buon
5	Pram
6	Pram-muoy
7	Pram-pee
8	Pram-bey
9	Pram Buon
10	Dorp

Money/Cambodian Currency

50	Haa-sep
100	Muoy-roy
500	Pram-roy
1000	Muoy-pin
5000	Pram-pin
10,000	Muoy-meun

So in short...

Simple Cambodian phrases are the way to go. You'll have so much fun, and connect with the people better. Of course there's the chance of mis-pronouncing the word, but not to worry, just your efforts alone will please them.

Worse comes to worse, use hand signals, hire a guide, or grab an English speaking Cambodian to help you out . There are increasingly more and more people who can speak basic english. So do this for fun, not because you have to!

Have A Great Story About This?

Do you have a great story about speaking with the locals? Please do share it!

Enter Your Title

Tell Us Your Story! [ ? ]

Close Help Entering your story is easy to do. Just type!... Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story. TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph.

Upload A Picture (optional) [ ? ]

Close Help Do you have a picture to add? Great! Click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it.

Add Picture Caption (optional) 

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name	(first or full name)
Your Location	(ex. City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Where would you like to go next?

Get some Cambodian language learning software and books:

Read more on Khmer language alphabets and origins

Back to top

Cambodian Food/Traditional Khmer Food
It's similar to the neighboring countries, but not really. Same same, but different. Not to be missed though!

Cambodian Religion
95% of the people are Buddhist, while the temples are Hindu. Read on to find out when and why the 'switch' happened.

Cambodian Clothing
What do the local folks wear? What should you wear? Here's a quick look into the Khmer's traditional dresses and also a simple dress code for travelers.

Cambodian Music
The locals are a big fan of karaoke. But apart from the pop songs, there are other kinds too. The classical Cambodian music is deeply valued by the people.

Cambodian Dance
In downtown Siem Reap, you'll see restaurants offering free traditional dance with your meal. Here's you'll find out more about those dances and other kinds as well.

Go from Useful Phrases in Cambodian Language to Cambodia Travel Info

Return from Useful Phrases in Cambodian Language to Holiday In Angkor Wat (homepage)

Subscribe to Angkor Wat Travelers and be the first to know about new ways of experiencing the Angkor Temples and Siem Reap. Name Email Then Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you Angkor Wat Travelers.